WELLINGTON - Fears are growing that more scientists may be carrying out genetic engineering research without legal approval.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) has announced an investigation after discovering breaches of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act research approval provisions at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Landcare Research's Mt Albert centre in Auckland.
Erma's acting chief executive Dr Donald Hannah said it was "quite possible" that other unsanctioned research was being done.
The authority has begun a nationwide check of research institutions, including Crown research institutes, universities and private laboratories, to uncover any other non-approved genetic engineering research.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the breaches indicated a "completely cavalier" attitude in some scientists, while others had simply "not bothered to read the fine print."
"There's no indication scientists are doing anything intentionally dangerous, but the fact that they're breaking the law means something dangerous could happen."
Dr Hannah said there could be confusion about what research needed approval, or a degree of deliberate avoidance.
"We can't dismiss the possibility that people have deliberately avoided the law ... I would hope scientists had respect for the law."
Confusion was possible, because some research had begun under an earlier voluntary regime. Some might genuinely believe they were covered by existing approvals.
Meanwhile, a commissioner appointed to the genetic engineering Royal Commission is on record as saying she is not concerned about the safety of GE food.
Dr Jean Fleming, an anatomy and structural biology department senior lecturer at Dunedin's Otago Medical School, also personally favours labelling GE food to provide consumers with choice.
Dr Fleming, who expressed both opinions last July during a public discussion called Living Science at Otago University, was on Monday appointed as one of four commissioners by the Government.
Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said the commissioners would be headed by former Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. The other commissioners are the Rev Richard Randerson of Auckland, appointed to bring an understanding of ethical issues, and Dr Jacqueline Allan, an Auckland GP with experience in Maori health.
The commission is expected to start work in June and have a year to report to the Government.
Ms Hobbs yesterday deflected accusations that the Government ignored official advice when it appointed the Royal Commission.
Opposition state services spokesman Roger Sowry released a State Services Commission document which said a draft cabinet paper on the issue did not present a sound argument for a Royal Commission.
Mr Sowry said the Government was "more intent on keeping its bedfellows happy than in making the best use of taxpayers' money."
But Ms Hobbs said the Government sought the views of many agencies before confirming Labour's election policy to establish a Royal Commission.
"It decided only the weight of a Royal Commission could bring to such a divisive and complex issue the trust of the various groups involved."
- NZPA
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